Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, Sept. 22
Best bet: WISH LIST (5)
Best value: ROAGNA (9)
FIRST: Valtellina was a professional-looking winner at the distance in debut; pairs. With the Angels lived up to heavy tote when winning first start by 11 lengths; could easily take this. Carmen's Candy Jar would be aided by pace meltdown.
SECOND: Sedona should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to mile. Fade to Grey could prove very tough on a soft lead. I'm Buzzy could be in the garden spot if fractions get hot and hectic.
THIRD: McDiesel made middle move into hot pace last time; forward move predicted. Smilensaycheese bounced last time after fast-figure win in debut; rebound threat. Sacrosanct was a clear-cut winner in first start; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Stanley Rough gets Lasix and compiled four tight works for first start in eight weeks. War Chrome could be positioned near the front with top-notch speed rider aboard. Albedo makes third start of form cycle; worth long look. Big Ego makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Wish List logged fast late-pace figure versus pricier field last out; more to give. Supers Lucky Lady exits sprints and could capitalize on unchallenged lead. Downtown Channel gets class relief after displaying improved speed in last; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Nonno Joe has trained with a purpose since tough-trip debut in July; improvement predicted. Leon Blue held more than nine lengths to the good on top selection when second in same last race; very dangerous. Daytona Moonshine (Chad Brown) and Pretrial Statement (from a dam that has produced three turf winners) are newcomers that demand paddock and tote scrutiny.
SEVENTH: Skytown was a clear-cut second in debut; timid call in race with numerous newcomers. Romeo Void outworked 68 rivals in half-mile bullet on Sept. 12; could be the goods. Daytona Gold, another firster, is from a dam that has thrown a stakes winner; charting a must.
EIGHTH: Union Dolly is rested and can win from on or off the pace; versatility is the key. Ever So Sweet is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Off Ramp regressed in last after determined win in prior; bounce-back threat.
NINTH: Roagna tallied swift final fraction when second last out; set for breakthrough in third start of form cycle. Summer Whirl packs potent kick on "A" efforts. Bunny Honey is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; right in the thick of this. Red Burgundy could prove very tough to collar if allowed unchallenged lead.
